Rogge: Games could return to London within 20 years

Jacques Rogge has given the green light to London hosting the Olympics again in the next 20 years

The president of the International Olympic Committee says he would have no problem with London hosting the Games again within the next 20 years.

This summer's Games in the capital were a resounding success and Jacques Rogge believes there would be no objection to the city doing so again soon.

Asked if London could stage the Olympics again within 20 years, he told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme: "I think definitely that would be a possibility. Whether there is a will to do that is another matter, but definitely yes, that would be possible."

"The IOC would welcome always good bids, irrespective of the place they originate from.

"There will always be a competition between various candidate cities. This is a contest and definitely it remains to be seen whether London would show an interest to bid again and if that is the case London will have to face other cities.

"I would welcome good bids emanating from as many countries as possible and this includes the United Kingdom."

Rogge also backed the British authorities to make a success of the Olympic Stadium, the future of which is still to be decided.

Rogge said: "My view is that what we really need is that it can be used by communities and not be left as a white elephant and I'm quite sure that my British friends will find a solution for sustainable legacy."

Asked if he would be happy for West Ham to move into the Stratford stadium, he said: "As long as the track can be kept, that is the most important thing in terms of legacy for the athletics, But if a football team would come in the stadium, this would guarantee sustainable development."

Rogge also dismissed any concerns that the 2014 World Cup in Brazil could affect preparations for the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

"On the contrary, I think the FIFA World Cup will be a support for the Olympic Games.

"They will be able to test readiness. the volunteers that are working for the FIFA World Cup will also work for the Olympic Games so definitely it will benefit from the FIFA World Cup."

Golf will feature in the Olympics for the first time in Rio and Rogge believes it will be one of the most popular sports at the Games.

He added: "I think it is really very important for the Games to have the participation of Tiger Woods. We have the best athletes in the world, we have Usain Bolt and we need to have Tiger Woods too. He could definitely consider the Games as another major."

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